Pinoy Pride 2009

     The year has not been kind to the Philippines, from super typhoons, to corruption scandals to a reprehensible massacre, but the country has also been blessed with achievements by its people.  From award-winning films to CNN's Hero of the Year, the Filipino has stamped her class onto this world.  Sports was another field the FIlipinos excelled in, and as my year ender for 2009,  I am naming my Pinoy Pride 2009 Top Filipino Athletes.

5.  Philippine Track Team


     The much-maligned track team stepped up this past SEA Games.  While eyes were mostly on the Taekwondo and Boxing teams, the tracksters quietly put together one of their best performances of recent history, winning a total of seven gold medals, including record-setting performances in hammer throw (Arniel Ferrera) and long jump (Maristella Torres).  While none of these tracksters are expected to make waves on bigger stages like the Asian Games or Asian Championships, it's still nice to win in the SEA Games level.

4.  Cecil Mamiit (Lawn Tennis)


     The Filipino American who was touted as the key figure to revitalizing lawn tennis in the country did not disappoint, leading the Philippine Tennis Team to a two gold, two silver and three bronze medal finish in the 2009 SEA Games.  The former 71st-ranked player in the ATP Tour accounted for two of the gold medals (Singles and Team Event), including an unprecedented all Filipino final against Treat Huey.  While I maintain that Mamiit's continued exposure, while giving the country victories, may stymie the growth of young players like Nino Alcantara and P.J. Tierro, it is still nice to know that he is around, especially when we are bleeding for gold medals in the SEA Games.

3.  Wesley So (Chess)


     With Philippine Chess Teams consistently fumbling, even in the SEA Games, it's nice to know that a true superstar has finally come out for the Philippines.  16 year old Wesley So, who emerged as the country's first GM, took the chess world by storm with a gutsy performance in the 2009 World Chess Cup.  While he didn't take home the grand prize, So bewildered and stunned the well-established cast of players by defeating several experienced and highly-touted individuals.  The Filipino Super GM (ELO rating 2640) first defeated GM Gadir Guseinov of Azerbaijan (ELO 2625) in the first round before thrashing Vassily Ivanchuk of Ukraine (ELO 2735).  Then, So continued his winning ways against the Gata Kamsky of the United States (ELO 2695), booting out the defending World Chess Cup champion.  While he lost his next match against Russian Super GM Vladimir Malakhov (ELO 2705), So went down fighting, extending their match into a tie breaker round.  So's magical run was the best in Philippine history, not bad for somebody who still can't vote or buy liquor.

2.  Rubilen Amit (Billiards)


     Pool has always been a source of pride in this country, but rarely does the country recognize its female stars.  Blame it on the overwhelming presence of legends like Efren Reyes and Francisco Bustamante, but this year, Rubilen Amit made a case to be remembered.  The diminutive, soft-spoken pool player made 2009 a career year, taking in not one but two world championships, the 2009 Women's 10 Ball World Championship and the 2009 World 10 Ball Mixed Doubles Championship (with Reyes).  As if she feared she would still be forgotten, Amit then went ahead and produced a two gold performance in the 2009 SEA Games, winning both the 8 ball and 9 ball events.  If the Filipino people get excited about pool, it might not be just because of our male players anymore.  Amit has stamped her class.

1.  Manny Pacquiao (Boxing)


      It's quite an obvious choice, really.  Him fighting is already enough to warrant him the top spot, what with his fights uniting the country and stopping crime temporarily.  This year, though, Pac Man stepped into the history books by winning a seventh world title in a seventh weight division.  He has effectively proven that he is the greatest FIlipino fighter of all time, and he has made a case for being the greatest Asian boxer of all time.  Even long time boxing scholar Burt Sugar has indicated that Pacquiao should be placed in the top 25 of all time, a list that includes Sugar Ray Robinson and Muhammad Ali.  Now, all Pacquiao has to do is finish off an obviously scared Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Manny's career would be one for story books.


      With these stunning sports achievements this year, it only makes sense that Filipino sports fans have a lot to look forward to in 2010.  Let's hope 2009 was not a fluke, and that it's a fiery start.


photos courtesy of tonylee.idv.tw, tennis-x.com, wikipedia.com, mannypacquiao.ph and rojo.com

Playing Santa

     It's Christmas time again and since it's the season for giving, I made a list (a la Santa) for those who have been naughty and nice in the sporting world.  If only I had the means to actually give these gifts...

T.Y. Tang (Rain or Shine Elastopainters/PBA)


Naughty or Nice.  Nice.  T.Y. has been a consummate professional this conference, despite his uneven playing time.  Even with Coach Caloy Garcia's mood swings regarding Tang's playing time, the former Xaverian has always come ready to play.


Gift: More and regular playing time.  Given more chances, Tang will undoubtedly prove himself worthy and give the Elastopainters a steadier hand at the point position, which would give the team the more fluid offensive sets that they need.


Cleveland Cavaliers fans


Naughty or Nice: Nice.  Despite years of losing, a head coach too afraid of his star player and a star player endlessly flirting with moving to another city, Cleveland fans have never booed their home team.


Gift: A better run organization with a tougher coach and a lower maintenance superstar.  Cavs fans have been quite loyal over the years, enduring heartache after heartache.  They deserve better than an organization signing up old guys in the hopes of getting their star player to stay.  They deserve better than the inutile Mike Brown or the prissy Lebron James.

Nate Robinson (New York Knicks/NBA) 


Naughty or Nice: Naughty.  The diminutive slam dunk champ has finally frustrated Coach Mike D'Antoni with his childish behavior, lack of defense and on court antics, which include shooting at the opponent's basket as time expired in the 2nd period.


Gift: A reality check.  What team would tolerate his childish antics and give him actual playing time?

John Cena (World Wrestling Entertainment)


Naughty or Nice: Nice.  The WWE's poster boy has been ubiquitous in the wrestling squared circle, but he has also been generous with his time.  Other than entertaining US troops overseas, he has granted over 140 wishes for kids in the Make-a-Wish Foundation.


Gift: A better story line other than his current, "Never give up." storyline.  Hardcore fans need a deeper more soap opera type story line so that they can cheer for him again.

Tiger Woods (Golf/PGA)


Naughty or Nice: Naughty.  The one-time unimpeachable "nice guy" of sports has now been embroiled in quite a mess as alleged lovers are popping up everywhere, while his wife is threatening to leave him.


Gift: Private sessions with Dr. Phil for him and his wife.  Brother needs some tough love from the bald one.


Serena Williams (Tennis/WTA) 


Naughty or Nice: Naughty.  Angry with a line judge after what she perceived to be a botched call, Williams proceeded to threaten the judge with bodily harm, including an alleged death threat.


Gift: Anger Management classes from Jack Nicholson's character in "Anger Management."  Goose Fraba....  Goose Fraba....


Siot Tanquincen (San Miguel Beermen/PBA) 


Naughty or Nice: Nice.  Given a talent-laden squad filled with at least 8 All Stars, Coach Siot has managed to keep the team cohesive and they are now atop the standings in the PBA.


Gift: 15 to 20 minute quarters.  He needs more time to be able to give each of his talented players the playing time they deserve.


Jose "Peping" Cojuangco (Philippine Olympic Committee)


Naughty or Nice: Naughty.  Just to show that he is in control and no one should stop him, he convinced (or coaxed, depending who you ask) cyclist Maritess Bitbit to pull out of the South East Asian Games as a sign of protest, taking away Bitbit's chances of taking home 3 golds and almost PhP 900,000 in incentives this Christmas.


Gift: Lump of coal.  


     Do you have suggestions for christmas gifts for your favorite sports figures?  Feel free to comment!


photos courtesy of art.com and en.wikipilipinas.org

Shorts: False Positives

(Each week, From the Fifty Peso Seats has a weekly edition of shorts, compilations of interesting but short posts of developments and trivia about the sporting world.)

Trouble in the Bedroom?

     The Smart GIlas Philippine National Basketball Team recently signed former NBA player Jamal Sampson to be its naturalization candidate, replacing the troubled C.J.Giles.  A few days after signing though, Sampson came up limping with a sore back in Gilas' game versus the Barako Bull Energy Boosters.  Rumors started to swirl that Sampson hid the injury so that he could sign first, but Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Noli Eala assured the public that there was no hidden pre-existing injury.  Eala claimed that Sampson not only underwent a thorough physical, but also participated in tough practices and drills with the GIlas Team, showing the injury came up only recently.  Eala also assured that Sampson is seeing chiropractors for the back injury deemed to be not serious.  It seems the back injury could have been brought about by problems with Sampson's bed. In spite of Eala's assurance, this is still not an auspicious beginning for Sampson's career with Gilas.

Scrooge in a Tie

      With the Phil Cycling deep into election trouble, 12 of 13 cyclists from the Philippines were barred from competition in the 27th South East Asian Games in Laos.  The only cyclist allowed to compete, veteran Maritess Bitbit, signified that she wanted to compete, but then submitted a letter declaring her intention to withdraw from the race.  Days later, Bitbit was depressed as she told family and friends that she desperately wanted to compete, but was prevailed upon by Philippine Olympic Committee President Jose "Peping" Cojuangco to withdraw.  Cojuangco coaxed her to withdraw to "show sympathy" to her other fellow cyclists who were barred from competition.  

     With Bitbit expected to bring home as much as three gold medals, the resignation has cost her around PhP 600,000 in cash incentives from the government.  With athletes receiving meager allowances every month, that amount would have been a boon to Bitbit and her family.  Furthermore, the three golds would be a big boost to the Philippine campaign as it is currently struggling in 6th positions in the overall medal tally.  This piece of unfortunate developments is made extra rich by the fact that the cause of the election trouble, Cojuangco (who held the original Cycling elections and then pulled the recognition after) was callous enough to impress upon Bitbit the need to, "sympathize."  It will be a cold Christmas for Bitbit as she also expects to retire soon, and she only has Scrooge to thank for that.

Talking Teng

     In an earlier post,  Noy Noy for Prez?, I wrote about the perils (and advantages) of being a "2nd generation star," and 18 year old, 2009 UAAP Rookie of the Year Jeric Allan Teng fits the bill of a "2nd generation star," to a "T."  Despite the pressures of being the son of former PBA All Star Alvin Teng, this 6'2" shooting guard wasted no time in translating his transcendent high school game into the collegiate ranks, becoming only the second Xavier School alumnus to win the UAAP Rookie of the Year award.  Busy with his studies (BS Commerce) Recently, Jeric, who admitted that he preferred to take a game winning three point shot over a drive to the hoop, honored Fifty Peso Seats by taking the time to do an interview.  Below are the excerpts.



Fifty Peso Seats: Was winning the rookie of the year award one of your goals last year?


Jeric Teng: Well, i think it was one of my goals, but my main goal was to win the championship which i failed to achieve.


FPS: Aside from yourself, who do you think was happiest when you won the award?


JT: Aside from myself,  i think (the) one person who was really happy was my dad. According to him, it was a good feeling for him to see his son achieve something.


FPS: How much of an influence did your dad have on your game?


JT: My dad was and is a big influence on my game. He serves as my guide when I play.  Actually, he's my guide on and off the court.


FPS: With Dylan Ababou (Smart Gilas) and Kasim Mirza (Philippine Patriots) out of the line up, do you expect to be UST's go to guy this coming season?


JT: I think i may possibly be one of the go to guys for UST, so I need to improve my game and make the adjustments necessary.


FPS:  Do you have plans of going pro? how about playing in the PBL?


JT: I do have plans being a pro, if possible. I also have more concrete plans for the PBL since i am one year away to be eligible to play in that league.

FPS:  With your dad being called, "Robocop," some Xavier (his old high school) alumni have called you, "Robokid." How do you feel about that monicker and would you like to have a different monicker?


JT: Well, Robokid is nice. Actually, my friends and teammates also give me lots of monickers like, "Roboteng" and "Tengminator."  I think "Tengminator," is cool.


FPS: Some so called experts have declared your brother, Jeron (national U16 team member) to be better than you.  How true is that?


JT: Indeed, there are a lot who say that my brother jeron is better.  I think that may be true.  In any case, I am very happy that he has achieved a lot already despite being just 15. People should watch out for him.


FPS: Given the chance, would you like jeron to join you on the UST squad?


JT:  It would really be nice to play with my brother, just like we did in Xavier.  However, it will be his decision when the time comes, and i will be happy with whatever his decision may be.


FPS: Who do predict to be the NBA champs this coming season?


JT: I see a championship for Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.


FPS: Which basketball player (past or present) do you admire the most?

JT: I admire my dad because he didn't have much talent and also, he was small for his position but because he was hardworking, he was able to play long in the pros. he always tells me that hardworking players can sometimes beat talented players.

     Humble, a good head on his shoulders and a dad who has been there and done that, it's obvious that Jeric Teng's basketball career, despite being stellar already, has yet to see its greatest moments.  That's definitely good news to basketball fans like us, and bad news for any of his opponents.

photos courtesy of pinoyteens.net and jeric teng

Foot in Mouth Disease

     Trash talking has its place in sports, no question about it.  I find, though, that trash talking, bragging and the like are all more acceptable when the one doing the talking can actually back it up.  When they don't, well, they're just plain irritating or infuriating.  Check out some of the sports figures who talked the trash talk, but couldn't or wouldn't walk the proverbial walk.

Lebron James (NBA) - The King, who was confident enough to actually make and wear horrible-looking " LBJ-MVP" shirts, proclaimed last year that he was finally giving the fans what they want by joining the Slam Dunk Contest in the 2010 All Star Game in Dallas.  Recently, though, James revealed to reporters that he was now "50-50"  about joining, despite guaranteeing to Cheryl Miller in last year's All Star Weekend that he would.  His explanation for waffling? "I don't know if you can get it back to the 80s and like in '98 when Vince (Carter) was in it. It was more about the dunks and less about what was going on around the dunks. We'll see what happens." (quote courtesy of Ball Don't Lie)  Yeah, that gives a clear reason why he is thinking of backing out?  Btw, Lebron, you better read up because Vince Carter won the dunk contest in 2000.


Olivia "Bong" Coo (Bowling) - The former world champion made bold proclamations as she ran for the Secretary General position in the 2007 PBC Elections.  Promising a transparent administration and better way of running the national team, Coo was able to hoodwink the PBC into electing her.  Shortly after that and continuing until the present, PBC has been rocked by numerous allegations of missing or misused funds, a total of 5 coaches have been signed and then replaced, two coaches have resigned and 4 national team players have retired because of national team favoritism and mismanagement.  It was like her "extra curricular" activities during her wild past effectively killed her short term memory and prevented her from fulfilling any of her campaign promises.

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (Mixed Martial Arts) - The former light heavyweight champion was quite eloquent with his pre and post fight trash talking, trading barbs with Rashad Evans and also declaring he was not afraid of current champ Lyoto Machida.  Against rival coach Evans in The Ultimate Fighter Season 9,  kept up the arrogance and gave every indication that he couldn't wait to fight.  Then, he suddenly signs up to star as B.A Barracus int he A-Team revival, effectively delaying his already scheduled fight with Evans.  When UFC President Dana White displayed his displeasure at having to move the fight, Jackson then claimed he was pissed at White disrespecting him so he retired.  Not exactly the tough guy move his movie character would make.  I pity the fool.


     There really is nothing wrong with trash talk and arrogance, but I really recommend backing it up.  Otherwise, one would end up just like these three, who are all suffering from Foot in Mouth Disease.




photos courtesy of sportsnet.ca and mmatko.com

Shorts: Charms and Curses

(Beginning this week, From the Fifty Peso Seats will have a weekly edition of shorts, compilations of interesting but short posts of developments and trivia about the sporting world.)

World Cup Wonder?

     Admittedly, this year's Bowling World Cup lost its luster for me when both of history's greatest, Paeng Nepomuceno and Walter Ray Williams jr. were eliminated before the quarterfinals.  The victory of Canada's Caroline Lagrange, however, makes for interesting conjecture.  Keeping in mind that I just want to have fun, Lagrange's thrilling come-from behind win over Zara Glover of England makes her the fourth straight first time winner of the event.  What's more noteworthy, though, is that this makes it the third women's world champion in four years (2006 Diandra Asbaty, 2008 Jasmine Yeong-Nathan, 2009 Caroline Lagrange) with whom I have taken a picture with in years past.  Furthermore, the lone winner I didn't have a photo op with, 2007 Champion Ann Marie Putney, bowled in a World Cup where no woman had a photo taken with me.  Does this mean I am a lucky charm?  Just kidding. I'm no megalomaniac.  It's just nice to know there is no overwhelming evidence that I'm a jinx.  (Hear that Ateneo?  I didn't cause the championship drought in basketball in the early 2000s, ok?)  Despite this, though, if I were Clara Guerrero, next year might be a good time bowl the World Cup.  Ok ok, enough of this...

Shaq Fu

     First of all, kudos to Shaq for spending for the funeral costs of an American girl who was reportedly murdered.  Her family was struggling to find money to pay for the funeral and Shaq graciously covered all expenses.  Despite that, I have to drop the bomb on Shaq daddy.  Is Shaq a charm or a curse?  In each of his stops in his career, the superstar he leaves behind has their career years shortly after the "Big Aristotle" makes his exit.  The numbers back me up.  Kobe definitely had his best years after Shaq.  After Shaq's unceremonious exit from the Lakers at the start of the 2004-05 season, Kobe played the two best seasons of his career.  In 2005-06, he scored a career-best 35.4 points per game for the season, while in 2007-08 season, Kobe played his best season ever, netting himself the coveted Most Valuable Player Award.  Meanwhile, after bidding goodbye to Shaq in the middle of the 2007-08 season, Dwayne Wade launched career numbers in his first season P.S. (Post Shaq).  "The Flash" poured in career (and league best) 30.2 points per game, on top of 7.5 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.3 blocks per game (all career bests).  This year, with Shaq's departure from Phoenix, the entire Suns team seems to have revitalized, none more so than Steve Nash, who at 36 years ols, has shown no signs of slowing down.  Nash is currently putting up personal (and league best) 12.1 assists per game, and he is also shooting career best gield goal and free throw percentages.  If you want to make a real fine point to it, the best Canadian baller is also averaging a career-best 0.2 blocks per game. 

     Is Shaq a curse that when lifted, releases a player's best possible game or is a charm that augments a player's game?  Either way, when Shaq and Lebron inevitably part ways, look for King James to post even better numbers than before.  Scary huh?

Mysterious Lady

     When the story of how Tiger Woods finally married Jesper Parnevik's children's nanny after initially struggling to ask her out was told, everyone agreed it was quite a happy tale for the world's greatest golfer.  Recently, though, allegations of marital dispute, an illicit affair and a mysterious car accident have spurred interest in Elin Nordegren Woods.  Who is she and why did she smash Tiger's car windows?  One thing they should ask is, is she a charm or a curse to Tiger's game?  In five years before Tiger married, he won a total of 32 golf titles and in the five years he's been married, he's won a total of 25.  While injury and a new swing were said to have caused the slight dip in titles won, how do we know those weren't the results of the "Elin curse?"

     Ok guys.  These shorts were all in good fun and to take them seriously might not be good for one's mental health.  There are no such thing as luck and curses, right?  Now, if you don't mind, I have to go clean my rabbit's foot... 

Giving Thanks

     While Thanksgiving is an occasion celebrated in North America, I thought it would be nice to do a thanksgiving special.  After all, our family already had our turkey this week.  This time, I list down some of the more popular sports figures and what they have to be thankful for, or at least what they should be thankful for.

Michelle Wie (Golf) - Thankful for her first LPGA win.  Maybe after this, detractors will finally ease up on her.  Despite showing plenty of promise and talent, nobody has eased up on the pressure for this young golfer to win a title.  Maybe this time, she can compete under less scrutiny.

Steve Nash (NBA) - Thankful for Coach Alvin Gentry.  The Suns have looked like the Suns of old, scoring over 100 points every game and Nash averaging over 9 assists a game.  Currently, the Suns have the NBA's best record.

Rico Maierhoffer (PBA) - Thankful for Smart Gilas Philippine National Team.  With Gilas hoarding this present batch of young basketball players, Rico has more than a good chance of winning Rookie of the Year Honors.

John Cena (WWE) - Thankful for young WWE fans.  While most older and die hard wrestling fans have tired of Cena and his antics, young fans aged around 8 to 12, have been solidly behind Cena.  This has kept Cena one of the WWE's more popular stars.

Dana White (UFC) - Thankful for old hands.  With an unprecedented epidemic of injuries to the UFC's top stars, president Dana White had to dig deep to find main event-worthy performers.  He was fortunate (or talented?) to find old hands like Randy Couture and Tito Ortiz to give him consecutive heart-thumping main event matches in sold out arenas.   

Boxing (in General) - Thankful for Manny Pacquiao.  The old sport usually referred to as the, "Sweet Science" was slowly losing its popularity with casual and mainstream sports fans due to spoiled fighters often too pampered to provide any exciting fights.  Enter Pacman, a literal human dynamo, who has captivated the world, not only boxing fans.  With his attacking brand of boxing, mainstream media who have often neglected boxing like Time Magazine, New York Times and Jimmy Kimmel show have all taken notice.

Stephen Jackson (NBA) - Thankful for inefficient General Managers.  Despite his constant disruptive behavior, expensive contract and erratic play, Jackson still found a team (a GM) foolhardy enough to take him  on to make him a franchise player.  Bobcats Managing Partner Michael Jordan has continued to add on to his litany of questionable moves by trading away Raja Bell's expiring contract to take on Stephen Jackson's terribly expensive one.

     As for me, I am thankful for my students, both in my culinary class and my varsity bowling team.  They have so far given me their best efforts and I am glad that they are seeing the benefits of their efforts.  Hopefully they keep working.

photos courtesy of sports illustrated and mmaroot.com

Cutting It Off

     As a coach, I am a firm believer that success, in sports and in life in general, is predicated not only on talent, intelligence and luck, but also, just as importantly, character and camaraderie. All my teams have always been drilled, trained and taught on the importance of these two and the central role they play on the team's success.  That's why I am applauding several teams who made the right decision by cutting off members who have become threats to the team's character and camarederie.  Letting these bad elements remain would've brought serious damage to the team and letting them go is definitely a wise move.

     This past week, three teams have made the sometimes difficult but always correct cut.  The Smart Gilas Philippine National Team let go of ultra-athletic, defensive dynamo C.J. Giles; the Golden State Warriors traded away disgruntled veteran Stephen Jackson and the Memphis Grizzlies waived superstar Allen Iverson.  Giles was rumored to have regularly come to practices with a hangover, evidence of all-night partying and after giving him second and third chances, Gilas management decided to send the naturalization prospect packing, before he became a bad influence on the team.  Meanwhile, the beleagered Warriors finally had enough of Jackson's antics, which included constantly asking to be traded and picking a fight with Coach Don Nelson.  They traded Jackson to the Charlotte Bobcats, which also boosted their chances of reducing payroll, since Jackson was reportedly owed about 35 million dollars for three years.  Lastly, after complaining about his playing time and bench player status after only two games with team, Iverson was sent to the waivers.  

     Kudos are definitely owed to these organizations and I am hoping several others follow their lead.  Here are some potentially poisonous elements teams should consider expelling:

Nate Robinson - The Knicks are a mess.  It's like the team is set up so that the payroll is completely gutted by next year to have enough salary cap room to lure Lebron James, but still, Knicks fans, and anyone who loves NBA basketball, deserves valiant efforts every night from them.  Players like David Lee and Wilson Chandler seem to be trying to get the Knicks to win, but Nate Robinson is a different story.  The reigning two-time slam dunk champion has always been a "me-first" type of player despite being an undersized point guard and signing him to a one year deal may not have been a good idea.  He seems to be coasting along, more concerned with getting stats than with helping the Knicks win.  Case in point, in a recent Knicks game against the New Jersey Nets, Robinson even found the time to be fooling around.  In the link above, Robinson, apparently for kicks, decided to throw a last second half-court shot.... AT THE OPPONENT'S BASKET. Then, to top it all of, the shot GOES IN.  Robinson's reaction to Coach Mike d'Antoni's tirade against him?  What? It didn't count.  Does Lebron really want to be a Knick?  Well, he better hope Nate Ronison isn't one if he moves over to Broadway.

Michael Koncz - This native Canadian currently serves as pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao's "adviser," but clearly, his presence is not wanted by a lot.  Already, Koncz has had a physical tiff with physical trainer Alex Ariza, and even Head Trainer Freddie Roach has proclaimed his ignorance of what Koncz really does.  While Ariza and Roach are no saints themselves, they clearly are invaluable to Pacquiao's competence in the ring.  As for Koncz, if Manny needs someone to "advise" him, I would put his money on Buboy Fernandez.  Like Ariza said, all Koncz does is decide which car to take or which restaurant to eat in anyway.

Monta Ellis - Yes, the Warriors deserve some kudos, but they also need to do more work.  Next on their list to move should be their lead gurad Monta Ellis.  Ellis was happy to sign on his multi-million dollar contract, but he has made it a point to show absolutely none of the leadership that begets that kind of money.  Since signing his contract, Ellis has injured himself for almost half of an NBA season on a moped (!) accident, then quickly threw rookie Stephen Curry under the bus by saying he couldn't play with him on the floor at the same time and win, despite never actually meeting or playing with Curry.  Then, for kicks, he decides to announce to the world after the Jackson trade that despite being one of team's more tenured players, he wouldn't want to be the leader on this team.  Of course, the Warriors' tales of woe always end with a tiff with the coach.  After one practice, Ellis asked pointed questions at Coach Don Nelson, trying to embarass him in front of the team.  While Ellis provides most of the scoring and assists, the woeful Warriors need a leader with his head on straight to lead a bunch of very talented youngsters.  

photos courtesy of examiner.com  ball don't lie and getty images

5 Questions on Pacquiao Cotto Answered: Post Fight

    


 First of all, thank God I got tickets to watch the fight live in Crown Plaza.  I can't stand the thought of not witnessing this historic fight live.  With that in mind, thanks to Paul Cheah, who got me the tickets, even if he wasn't watching with us.  Now, it's time to check the answers in my fight primer.

 1.  Can Pacquiao take Cotto's power?


Original Answer: No.


Post Fight Answer: Man, Manny really did his best to make me look bad.  Not only was he able to take Cotto's power, he actually went out and tested it.  I couldn't believe my eyes as my brother and I were watching.  I could see Manny's plan as soon as he held his hands up and stood his ground.  While others (including the commentators and people in the Crown Plaza Ballroom) were panicking, I muttered to my brother in disbelief, "He's doing it on purpose to mess with Cotto."  True enough, after the fight, Manny himself said he wanted to see if Cotto could hurt him.  He then took those punches, shook them off and attacked and destroyed Cotto.  If I can ever get consolation, it's that Pacquiao had been candid and admitted that Cotto's punches really did hurt him.


2.   Can Cotto nullify or match Pacquiao's speed?


Original Answer: No.


Post Fight Answer: This was an easy question as everyone has had problems with Manny's speed.  After his "experiment" with Cotto's punching power (and giving trainer Freddie Roach a heart attack) Pacquiao relied on his superior speed and outclassed Cotto.  Even Cotto, in a show of gentlemanliness and respect, spoke of Pacquiao's blinding and unworldly speed, saying he, "couldn't see where the punches where coming from."  


3. Will either fighter's training camp distractions prove fatal to their bid?


Original Answer: No.


Post Fight Answer:  Well, obviously Manny was not distracted as he was again at his best, displaying tremendous speed coupled with crunching power.  In fact, so confident was Manny in his focus that he reportedly even spent time practicing for his post-fight concert!  Heck, he even found the time to sing, "You Raise Me Up" before he returned to the locker room after the fight!  Meanwhile, Cotto, as outclassed as he may have been, showed that he has fully recovered from the beating he received from Antonio Margarito and the distraction named Evangelista Cotto was a distant memory, even displaying an effective left jab against Pacquiao.  He was also moving a lot better than his previous fights.  Of course, he didn't move fast enough against the world's top pound for pound fighter.  The bigger question now is, "Will he recover from the beating he received from Pacquiao?"  

4.   What will happen in the fight?



Original Answer: Manny will be too much for Cotto.


Post Fight Answer: At the risk of sounding arrogant, the fight went on as I envisioned, save for Pacquiao's experimentation with Cotto's power.  What made Manny's latest triumph especially awe inspiring is how this fight went like his past three fights.  David Diaz, Oscar de la Hoya and Ricky Hatton were all supposed to be stronger than him and all three were supposed to be ready for his speed.  Instead, they were all mowed down by the buzzsaw from the Philippines.   His blinding attack and hand speed overwhelmed Cotto, and I couldn't believe that Cotto trainer Santiago didnt stop the fight by the 9th round.  Cotto later revealed he refused to stop, but the trainer should take charge in these situations as obviously pride and adrenalin will not allow Cotto to consider his own safety.   

5.  What will be next for both fighters?


Original Answer: Pacquiao vs Marquez and Cotto vs Margarito


Post Fight Answer: Obviously Cotto and his camp cannot be making decisions and plans at this point.  It's in his best interest to rest and recuperate, then have a long talk with his family regarding his plans.  I still think that Cotto will be looking at Margarito, maybe Shane Mosley for his next big fight.  Arum might set up a tune up for him first though.  As for Manny, the clamor to fight Floyd Mayweather has begun and it is getting loud.  I still have a gut feeling that Pacquiao will end up fighting Juan Manuel Marquez.  Mosley presents too low a reward for the risk he presents and Mayweather, while exuding bravado, has not backed off his asking price of 65% of the purse share, which is absolutely absurd.  If Mayweather will not agree to the 50-50 split Manny is proposing, then no further proof is needed to prove that "Money" is afraid to dance with human dynamo from the Philippines.


photos courtesy of Yahoo! Sports and Getty Images

5 Questions on Pacquiao Cotto Answered

     Time Asia's newest cover boy Manny Pacquiao takes on Puerto Rico's Miguel Cotto on Sunday (Saturday US time) in the aptly-titled pay per view, "Firepower," and to serve as the fight's primer, I will answer five of the most important questions surrounding their bout.

1.  Can Pacquiao take Cotto's power?

     No.  Despite Manny's unbelievably gruelling training of having someone hit his body with a stick, Cotto's power is hard to overcome.  Cotto's attack, which usually involves very punishing body blows (and even low blows), really can hurt welterweights, much more welterweights who came up in weight like Manny.  His sterling record of 34 wins (27 by knockout) is littered with big welterweights, so Manny will feel the power of each of Cotto's vaunted body punches.  If Cotto catches Manny with more than a few body blows, it could be a long night for Pacquiao.  Now, before everyone panics and calls for my head, read on.

2.  Can Cotto nullify or match Pacquiao's speed?

     No.  Every single opponent of Pacquiao had said that they had studied and figured out Manny's speed and quickness (both in foot movement and punching speed) before they succumb to it in the ring.  Cotto has joined those ranks by claiming he can fight speed as proven by wins over Shane Mosley and Joshua Clottey.  While those two are bordering on great as well, Pacquiao's speed is nowhere close to theirs.  Manny's unworldly hand and foot speed is what truly makes him great, not his punching power as a large number of fans are wont to believe.  The problem for Cotto is that he can prepare as much as he wants, but no sparring partner on this planet, much less in his camp, approximates "Pacman," so he has not prepared adequately for Manny's speed and quickness.  While Cotto's powerful punch can knock people out, a barrage of "Pacman" punches, some of which Cotto might not even see, can knock him out too.   

3.  Will either fighter's training camp distractions prove fatal to their bid?


       No.  Manny's camp was littered with distractions, from the two super typhoons, to infighting between adviser Michael Koncz and trainer Alex Ariza, to Freddie Roach scoffing at Manny Villar's pandering to the, "Pambansang Kamao."  All these, however, distracting, are par for the course for every "Pacman" camp.  Expect Pacquiao to be ready for fight night as he himself recognizes the tremendous opportunity laid before him.  Meanwhile, Cotto's camp which was a little busier than usual watching Cotto's weight, was rocked by former trainer (and Cotto's uncle) Evangelista Cotto, who slapped a lawsuit on the fighter, the culmination of years of infighting with the Cottos, Miguel Sr. and Jr.  Just like Manny, though, expect Cotto to be ready for what is easily the biggest fight of his life.  While he has expressed respect and admiration for Pacquiao, it is also important to remember that the Puerto Rican covets all the admiration, riches and glamour Pacquiao has earned.

4.  What will happen in the fight?


      Many boxing experts differ on their predictions, with some counting on Pacquiao's speed to win and some counting on Cotto's power.  My fearless forecast?  Pacquiao will win in either late round knockout or unanimous decision.  Manny will be well wary of Cotto's power and he will be highly motivated to frustrate Cotto and take away his strength advantage.  The last thing Pacquiao needs is to lose by knockout, expect Manny to do everything in his power to avoid it.  Manny doing everything in his power usually means lights out for his opponent.


5.  What will be next for both fighters?


     Considering the fight goes as I predicted, expect both fighters to still be in the fight game.  A loss diminishes Cotto's marketability and charisma, but it won't be too bad that Bob Arum can't find a fight for him.  A rematch against Antonio Maragarito is being floated around and expect Shane Mosley to come knocking if he sees Cotto has slowed down.  For Manny, a showdown with Floyd Mayweather would be golden, but don't wait with bated breath.  Mayweather will angle for more money and slow down negotiations and don't be surprised to see Manny face Juan Manuel Marquez instead.  A third fight in that rivalry would be a good pay per view and with both fighters aching to defeat the other convincingly, should be a slam-bang affair.


Next Week: I will do a checklist of these five questions to see where I went right and wrong.


photos courtesy of Getty Images and the AP

Experience: The Overhyped Commodity

     With the influx of relatively young candidates into the Philippines' presidential elections next year, the expected barrage of mud slinging has now begun, and while I seldom write about politics, this attack on candidates' "experience" and "achievements" has really rubbed me the wrong way.  As with Philippine politics, the question of which athletes to send to tournaments (or which presidentiable to elect) has been a contentious one to say the least because of the "age and experience" debate. 

     In sports (and apparently now in politics), our officials have always put a premium on "experience" and "past achievements" so much that we end up sending virtual grandfathers and grandmothers to tournaments.  Furthermore, favoring experience has slowly led to the degradation of our national development of athletes so we have now experienced a problem with continuity.  I still remember our track team sending a aged Elma Muros-Posadas and Ed Buenavista to the South East Asian Games and the Olympics because they were "experienced" and what was our medal haul? O medals, and in Buenavista's case, a disqualification for crossing running lanes.  Meanwhile, boxer Harry Tanamor will still be given a chance to fight for a 2012 Olympic slot despite the fact that he would have reached the maximum age limit for boxers competing in the Olympics because, wait for it, his "experience" and past "achievements."

     What is it with experience?  While I agree that premium should be put on experience, it shouldn't be the end all and be all of choosing an athlete or a president.  Experience is nothing more than being there.  It's what is learned form experience that is helpful and that is quite unquantifiable.  What's with the hullabaloo over past achievements?  A gold medallist now is nothing but an older, former medallist two to four years later.  Doing good things in the past doesn't always mean one is capable (or willing) to do more good things in the future.  Remember Taekwondo jin Toni Rivero and how she created a stir at the Olympics?  Well, we kept sending her and she kept losing.  Remember how we were convinced basketball pros would play better than college standouts in international play? Yup, we really did great with an 8th place finish.  Sports as with politics (and cooking, I might add), is an unforgiving field where you must outperform yourself daily, lest people criticize and attack you.   In such fields, hanging your hat on something in the past or on experience will have you eating someone else's dust.  Such fields are not to be dominated by age and experience, but they are actually settings for great performances by people, regardless of age, experience or past achievements,  who have the heart, the innovation and the intention to actually make them.  Take these athletes for example:

Sam Cassell - This loud-mouthed, trash talking NBA great (and now assistant coach) wasn't always a great.  As a fresh-faced rookie with virtually no great achievements to speak of, he was picked late (24th pick) in the first round.  Despite that, he not only earned playing time for the eventual NBA Champions Houston Rockets, but also became the team's most valuable sub for their back to back championship run, averaging 6.7 points and 2.9 assists (1st year) and 9.5 points and 4.9 assist (2nd year). Not bad for someone 23 other teams passed on.

Jim Morris - A science teacher and high school baseball coach, Morris had a bet with his students that he would try out for a Major League Baseball team if his team would win the district title.  One title later, coach and teacher Jim, whose earlier attempt at playing pro baseball was devoid of achievements and filled with injuries, did try out.  Throwing 98 mph fast balls continuously at the tryouts later netted him his dream of playing professional baseball at age 35.  His life story has been made into a Disney movie, and indeed his journey from an injured old coach and former player into the MLB's old oldest rookie and world wide inspiration does merit a movie.

Sharon Limansantoso - This Filipino-Indonesian bowler, playing for Indonesia as unassuming rookie, stunned the crowds as the 24th South East Asian Games in Thailand.  Despite being a relative unknown because of her lack of experience, Limansantoso came from behind to defeat the more experinced and highly-favored Esther Cheah of Malaysia 187-167 and 241-198 in the Masters Event, earning herself and Indonesia a gold medal in the bowling event. 

     In sports and in politics, what one has done and what one has experienced undoubtedly plays a role in one's ability to perform, but in examining every great political leader and athlete in our history, neither one is the most important element to their success.  What good did tons of experience do for Elma Muros and Ed Buenavista? Picking a president who was supposedly more learned and experienced has our country experiencing corruption at an all time high.  Superb politicians and athletes do have their common denominators, but they are neither experience nor past achievements.  Great heart to perform what they feel is right despite insurmountable odds and degrading criticism, unparalleled innovation to battle the constant yet ever-changing challenges that come their way and the purest of intentions to properly, respectfully and honorably represent their team or country are their common denominators. 

     Next year, decisions will be abound for our countrymen.  In forming our national sports teams and in picking our political leaders, we must all choose.  Let's do ourselves a favor and throw age, experience and past achievements out the proverbial window.  Let's choose the ones with great hearts, unparalleled innovation and pure intentions.  We cannot afford to keep sending athletes to competitions only to see them lose miserably, and Lord knows we can't afford another governement more concerned with crowing about supposed achievements instead of actually trying to achieve them.

photos courtesy of sports.espn.go.com and answers.com

Wynne the Fall Guy

 In an unprecedented decision, the Philippine Basketball Association handed down a stiff punishment to Burger King Whopper Wynne Arboleda, suspending "The Snatcher," for the rest of the season for attacking a fan in the stands.  With the season just starting, Arboleda stands to lose almost all of his salary of over PhP 2.5 million and he cannot play in any other league since he is under contract with Burger King.  Much has already been said about Arboleda's folly and while I completely agree with the PBA's decision, I can't help but feel that the situation, just like a good murder mystery, is not completely resolved.  That's because Arboleda isn't the only guilty party here, yet he is the designated, "fall guy," so that other guilty parties are scot free.

     Reviewing that fateful game where Arboleda's Whoppers took on Philippine National Team Smart GIlas, it was clear that the game plan for the Whoppers was to physically intimidate the Nationals to disrupt their fluid offense.  Playing physical, though, is way different from playing dirty, as Gilas Coach Rajko Toroman intimated after the game.  There were a total of four flagrant fouls called in the first 1 and 1/2 quarters alone, with Toroman claiming two more missed by the referees.  With that many flagrants in the game, Coach Yeng Guiao (if he were innocent and I don't believe he is)  should/could have prevented it by the second flagrant foul.   It was clear that the directive to play physical came from him. After all, what team would have several players commit flagrant fouls all in the same game?   Guiao should have taken responsibility by telling his players to knock off the dirty plays.  By letting them continue the rough housing, Guiao was giving a go signal for his players to bring the pain, thereby raising the emotions of the game.  Fans of Gilas (and everyone else in the venue) could see the bullying going on and of course didn't appreciate the dirty play.  In fact, it got so bad that Buger King's own boss, Lito Alvarez, had to go into the dugout by half time essentially to stop his players from playing any dirtier. The elevated emotions definitely played a role in agitating fans enough to hurl expletives at the players.  It just might as well have been Guiao insulting Arboleda there.


     Another guilty party would have to be the referees.  Sure, they tried to control the rough play by calling the flagrant, but they could have taken the time to talk to the players and coaches to cease the attack on Gilas, perhaps giving them warnings that further infractions would result in ejections and suspensions.  Secondly, they should have been more alert when Arboleda made his way to the stands.  Arboleda may be a speedster on court, but he wasn't exactly making a mad dash to the fan.  A more alert referee crew could have gotten in Arboleda's way before the disaster.  This particular crew, however, only got to Arboleda AFTER Wynne was able to kick the fan in the gut.  


     Lastly, a blame finger has to be pointed at the Araneta Coliseum security.  When the NBA had the "Malice at the Palace," where Ron Artest attacked a fan, Araneta copied the NBA plan of having security placed near the court area to prevent another fan attack.  The Araneta security, however, were virtual tortoises here as they arrived even later than the "speedster" referees.  These were the same guards who valiantly prevented me from high fiving Melina properly when the WWE came to town, but when someone actually attacks, they are nowhere to be found.  Bravo guys.  


     The whole incident, "The Arboleda Attack at Araneta," is ugly whichever way you look at it.  A disrespectful fan, a hot headed player playing dirty, a coach who allowed dirty play to get back at the team that beat his silly, a batch of referees slightly sleeping on the job and a security crew who act like matadors all caused a situation that could seriously affect fan appreciation of Asia's oldest professional basketball league.  So why is it that only one element of the disaster was punished?   

Fifty Peso Previews: NBA's Pacific Division

     I close out my NBA fifty peso previews with the Pacific Division, home of the defending champions, the Los Angeles Lakers.  Will the Lakers repeat?  They could, but they will encounter numerous tough challengers, but probably not from their division.


Golden State Warriors


Last Year: Failed to make playoffs
Key New Additions: Stephen Curry, Mikki Moore
Projected Starters: Monta Ellis, Anthony Morrow, Stephen Jackson, Anthony Randolph, Andris Biedrins


     The Warriors are in quite a mess and ownership should shoulder the blame.  Undermining and then later on removing former GM Chris Mullin netted them internal problems ranging from player to coach (Stephen Jackson vs Don Nelson) and player to player (Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry).  The Warriors do have great young talent in Ellis, Curry and Anthony Randolph, but the line up is smallish and uneven.  Look for the Warriors to be inconsistent, with some games having them scoring a lot of exciting ball while some games having them stink up the place.  It will be another tough year for the Warriors fans who have been thirsting for another playoff run.


Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the regular season


Los Angeles Clippers


Last year: Failed to make playoffs
Key New Additions: Blake Griffin, Rasual Butler, Kareem Rush
Projected Starters: Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, Al Thonrton, Marcus Camby, Chris Kaman


     The Clippers were their usual selves last year, losing horribly and regularly despite their talented line up.  This year, the addition of number 1 overall pick Griffin, who seems to bring a healthy passion for the game, could be the spark needed to excite the Clippers veterans to play harder.  The key, though, will still be Davis, who can singlehandedly bring a team to the playoffs.  If Davis is interested and the Clippers stay healthy, then the Clips could surprise people.


Fearless Forecast: Bubble Team (8th seed or eliminated from playoffs)

Los Angeles Lakers


Last Year: Champions
Key New Additions: Ron Artest
Projected Starters: Derek Fisher, Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum


     The defending champs, not satisfied with keeping their championship line up intact, went ahead and signed Ron Artest to replace Trevor Ariza.  On paper, that would be bad news for the rest of the league, as the Lakers mainly an offensive team, just added some vaunted defensive teeth.  The problem is, Artest loves to hold the ball for long stretches on offense, which could bog down the Lakers' famed triangle offense.  Artest has said all the right things about playing within the system and even Phil Jackson has said he foresees Artest playing well so indeed, the road to the finals will run through the Lakers again.


Fearless Forecast: At least Western Conference Finals

Phoenix Suns


Last year: Failed to make playoffs
Key New Additions: Channing Frye, Earl Clark
Projected Starters: Steve Nash, Jason Richarson, Grant Hill, Amare Stoudemire, Channing Frye


     Now that the Shaq experiment is over (thank goodness), the Suns, coach Alvin Gentry, can concentrate on their famed running game again.  With Nash at the helm, look for the Suns to run and gun and score buckets.  The problem for the Suns is age.  Nash and Hill, who are expected to anchor the running game, are rather long on the tooth so playing at a high level for 82 games will be no easy feat.  If the young, untested Suns can help spell the "old guys" consistently, then the Suns will be able to return to the playoffs.


Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the playoffs (1st round)


Sacramento Kings


Last year: Eliminated in the regular season
Key New Additions: Tyreke Evans, Desmond Mason, Omri Casspi
Projected Starters: Tyreke Evans, Kevin Martin, Desmond Mason, Jason Thompson, Spencer Hawes


     The Kings were one of the worst teams last season and things will probably not get too much better this season.  Adding Evans to a squad with young studs Hawes and Martin is a step in the right direction, but it's just step 1 when the Kings need to complete 15.  Look for the Kings to play with a lot of inconsistency but also with a lot of promise.  Unfortunately, promise doesn't count in the run up to the playoffs.


Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the regular season




photos courtesy of Getty Images and Ball Don't Lie